Invictus Games Spirit to Conquer Classrooms

Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra and South Coast Gareth Ward MP has today announced that local public school students in years 5 to 12 across our region will learn about the importance of resilience, service and inclusion as part of an initiative helping to share the spirit of the Invictus Games Sydney 2018.

Mr Ward said that the Games are a unique educational opportunity to focus on inclusivity, mental health, physical health and resilience.

“The Games promote service to the community and they will encourage the community to think deeply about the service and sacrifice that defence personnel make every day,” he said.

“The project is the first of its kind in Australia, and will be available to our local school students as well.

“Not only will it allow kids from our local public schools to be involved in the Games, but it will give teachers an opportunity to offer a unique learning experience as the state commemorates the Centenary of Anzac.

“The initiative will promote NSW syllabus outcomes, complementing the curriculum in various areas of study including PDHPE, English and History. It will include a new history resource aimed at deepening student appreciation of Australia’s military service.

“Students from years 5 to 12 will explore and define military service, what it means and why people chose to serve their country, as well as living with a disability. A new history resource will be launched as part of the project, giving students a new appreciation and understand of Australia’s military service, as well as veterans’ health,” Mr Ward said.

Patrick Kidd OBE, CEO Invictus Games Sydney 2018, is looking forward to welcoming the children from across the state to the Games and is thrilled that the education programme will live beyond the Games.

“The teaching materials talk to the nature of service our community, the importance of being resilient, and showcase the role which sport can play in supporting the recovery and rehabilitation of those who have been injured or become sick,” Mr Kidd said.